by Ford Mustang Recall Due to Water and Light Issues
Ford has announced a recall of over 105,000 Mustang vehicles due to potential water intrusion issues that could lead to the failure of exterior lighting. This is the company’s 98th recall in the recent period, and in total, Ford has recalled over 1.2 million vehicles due to five separate issues, including nearly half a million SUVs due to brake fluid leaks.
Problem Details
The issue concerns 2024–2025 Mustang models. According to a government agency, water can enter the body control module, leading to a loss of communication with the exterior lighting. This can result in the inability to operate the license plate lighting, side markers, and rear taillights.
History of Defect Discovery
Ford first noticed the problem in April when one of their development teams discovered a Mustang with faulty headlights. The automaker launched an investigation, which revealed a growing number of warranty claims related to lighting issues and battery drain due to water intrusion. It was determined that the leak occurs in several places due to improper application of sealant.
Despite this, Ford closed the initial investigation, arguing that the vehicles met safety standards and that the water leak rate was low. However, the company later resumed the investigation as it became clear that water intrusion could occur faster than expected and could affect compliance with safety standards. To date, there are 69 warranty claims and 17 reports of the problem.
Cause and Consequences
The problem arose due to improper sealing of body seams in the windshield area and lower corners, resulting from inconsistencies between robotic and manual application of sealant. This allows water to enter the body structure and the control module, which can cause flickering of side markers and rear taillights, as well as the lights staying on after the engine is turned off, leading to battery drain.
Problem Resolution Plans
To fix the problem, dealers will inspect and seal the body seams, as well as assess the condition of the control module for corrosion and replace it if necessary. Notifications to owners are planned to be sent in early September; however, there is currently no repair available. A fix is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2026, at which time a second notification will be sent.
This situation highlights the importance of attention to detail in manufacturing processes, especially when it comes to vehicle safety and reliability. Although Ford initially considered the problem minor, subsequent reports showed that it could have more serious consequences than anticipated. The delay in the fix may cause concern among owners, but the company appears to be handling the situation systematically, planning a full resolution early next year.
